Freeze Rain Then Flood?

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:05:14 CSTBy: AP

Forecasters say rain and melting snow could cause flooding and ice jams beginning this weekend. The National Weather Service says rivers and streams are expected to rise in the region after as much as three-quarters of an inch of rain falls. Northern Illinois is already covered by as much as 14 inches of snowpack. That's expected to melt as temperatures finally climb above freezing after fierce artic weather sent temperatures to record lows this week. In southern Illinois, forecasters warn the rainfall could also cause water to pond on roads. Meteorologists say residents who live near low-lying flood-prone areas should be alert for rising water through the weekend and into next week.